{"id":879,"date":"2019-07-22T16:40:13","date_gmt":"2019-07-22T20:40:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/?p=879"},"modified":"2023-02-03T13:33:00","modified_gmt":"2023-02-03T18:33:00","slug":"tab-camper-sunshade","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/outdoor-living\/tab-camper-sunshade\/","title":{"rendered":"“Glamping” With Jean Buchanan"},"content":{"rendered":"

For Jean Buchanan, sewing is not just a hobby and career, but it also may very well be her destiny. She\u2019s been sewing for over 50 years and comes from a long line of sewists. Her great-grandmother was a tailor of men’s suits, and her grandmothers, aunts and mother have all sewn and quilted through the years. Jean first learned to sew from her mother-in-law, and she’s never looked back. With a little help from Sailrite\u00ae, Jean’s taken her talent to the next level and made a name for herself in the process.<\/span><\/p>\n

After five decades of sewing children\u2019s clothes and stuffed animals, plus clothing for herself and her husband, Jean encountered a project that she had never attempted before and one she never thought she would stumble upon in her lifetime. But always being an adventurous sewist open to new ideas and experiences, she took a cue from her daughter to try out a different kind of DIY, which would lead her to her largest project yet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOne day my daughter brought me a southwestern printed tarp and asked me to make her a visor for her T@B 320 trailer. It took many more tarps and three attempts to get the patterns tweaked \u2014 it fit the T@B pretty well.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"36B811D4D7C4461F87D5A2D2A7DAAEBD\"
One of Jean’s latest sunshade designs on a TAB camper.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If you\u2019re not familiar, T@B (or TAB) is a brand of trailerable camper with a sleek teardrop design. These charming, pint-sized campers blend European design with Ohio Amish craftsmanship for cozy living on-the-go. After Jean finished her daughter\u2019s project, she found that these campers were perfectly complemented by her custom sunshades with their petite, visor-like design. Not only was her first sunshade good-looking, but it also functioned as a way to protect the camper\u2019s occupants from the sun and rain while maintaining convenient portability for those looking to get up and go.<\/span><\/p>\n

Spurred by her first success, Jean decided she enjoyed the work and wanted to continue the process. The next step was to make efforts to reach a larger customer base and make sure she could streamline her sunshades for more efficient sewing. She first began by creating a shop on Etsy (an e-commerce site <\/span>focused on handmade or vintage items), <\/span>based out of North Olmsted, Ohio. She later launched her own website and enlisted the help of a professional engineer to create a dependable design for the T@B 400 trailer \u2014 and success! A small business was born.<\/span><\/p>\n

But when your business revolves around sewing, you need a dependable sewing machine to carry you through your toughest assemblies. So with this new business resting in her capable hands, Jean decided that none of her work could be completed without a heavy-duty industrial sewing machine to sew through multiple layers of fabric. The hunt for such a machine was what led Jean to Sailrite in the first place.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"AA2A7E98C99A4256A1431236146B1CD0\"
Fabricator in tow, Jean is ready to tackle any project.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

She explained, \u201cI chose the Fabricator\u00ae Sewing Machine after looking at many industrial machines because it was advertised as a small awning shop machine. I read reviews that were positive concerning the machine and watched videos<\/a><\/strong><\/span>. Based on what I read and what I watched, I decided it was the right one and I have not been disappointed.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With her husband, Clyde, by her side, Jean has expanded her creations and has now launched her own website to showcase and sell her unique camper sunshades worldwide. With a customer base reaching as far as Spain, Germany, Poland, Switzerland and Canada, it\u2019s hard to deny the growing popularity of these adorable additions. Not only are these unique sunshades a way for campers to express their creativity, but they\u2019re also a way for Jean to utilize her adept sewing skills for a practical cause.<\/span><\/p>\n

She was happy to explain the painstaking steps that go into the creation of the TAB sunshades, as they\u2019re tailored to the requests of each customer. First, each piece of fabric and webbing is cut with the Sailrite\u00ae Edge Hotknife, then a convenient carrying bag is sewn, followed by a reinforcement of webbing to the places where the visor pole begins and ends. Next comes the construction of the sleeve for the pole followed by the main fabric assembly. Each part of the process that requires sewing is done using the Fabricator Sewing Machine \u2014 and the results speak for themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here at Sailrite, it gives us great joy to be there every step of the way to help make things a little easier. \u201cNot only do I use the Fabricator Sewing Machine and the Sailrite Edge Hotknife, but I just started using some of Sailrite\u2019s 300 denier polyester outdoor fabric [Odyssey]. The quality and support are outstanding! One could not go wrong using any of their products. I especially love the magnetic sewing guide and zipper feet for sewing keder rope!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With a thriving business to attend to, what lies ahead for crafty creator Jean? She explained, \u201cI plan to go back to regular sewing when I can no longer physically sew these sunshades. But who knows, I\u2019m always ready for a challenge. My daughter is full of ideas for me.\u201d And although her daughter does not share her passion for sewing, she helps with the business as a public relations assistant and is always ready to bring Jean more ideas to practice her sewing on.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At this point in time, Jean\u2019s future is wide open, but regardless, she is confident that she and the Fabricator can tackle anything that may come. We can\u2019t wait to see what she creates next! <\/span><\/p>\n

\"9638F320E97C4E5B8734BDBA8377D090\"
Jean’s ingenious designs make “glamping” possible.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

Who We Are<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n

Sailrite is your one-stop DIY shop! We are a passionate crew of do-it-yourselfers who strive to equip you with the supplies and how-to knowledge you need to tackle your next project. Do you want to learn upholstery, leatherwork, canvaswork, hobby sewing, bag making or more? We have the fabric, tools, hardware, sewing machines and notions you need to master any DIY. And even if you’ve never sewn before, our tutorials and how-to videos are designed for beginners and experienced crafters alike.<\/span><\/p>\n

Start your DIY journey today: www.sailrite.com<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

For Jean Buchanan, sewing is not just a hobby and career, but it also may very well be her destiny. She\u2019s been sewing for over 50 years and comes from a long line of sewists. Her great-grandmother was a tailor of men’s suits, and her grandmothers, aunts and mother have all sewn and quilted through … Continue reading “Glamping” With Jean Buchanan<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":884,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false,"jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false}}},"categories":[10,7],"tags":[76,75,66,84,33,20],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/AE3CE747A4EA45FD91CF5B3BCBA2800B.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/padSoq-eb","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":713,"url":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/automotive-rv\/driven-to-sew\/","url_meta":{"origin":879,"position":0},"title":"Driven to Sew: A Lifelong Hobby","date":"May 14, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"The DIY spirit can take any number of forms \u2014 there\u2019s no end to what you can create with the right supplies, a good idea and a little extra time on your hands. That\u2019s exactly the same mindset held by Sailrite\u00ae customer and long-time crafter Louis Cossey. Following his retirement\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Automotive\/RV"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/LouisCossey5-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":2609,"url":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/automotive-rv\/sewing-car-upholstery-sailrite-fabricator\/","url_meta":{"origin":879,"position":1},"title":"The Drive to Learn: One DIYer\u2019s Roadmap to Sewing Mastery","date":"November 1, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"How can a sewing company like Sailrite help restore classic cars? The upholstery, of course! See how Sailrite helped \"car guy\" Jerry Bartlett learn to sew classic car upholstery.","rel":"","context":"In "Automotive\/RV"","img":{"alt_text":"The upholstered back seat of the cruiser.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/24-Rear-Seat-scaled.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":1510,"url":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/home\/sewing-upholstery-ultrafeed\/","url_meta":{"origin":879,"position":2},"title":"Sewing Upholstery With the Ultrafeed\u00ae","date":"June 29, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"All DIYers, whether they're a sewer, woodworker, crafter or other, have the same thing in common. They love the satisfaction they get from accomplishing a project on their own. Cory Springer is no different. She owns a small upholstery business in Virginia, and one of her favorite things about sewing\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Home"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/upholstery-collage.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":1728,"url":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/automotive-rv\/diy-sewing-auto-marine\/","url_meta":{"origin":879,"position":3},"title":"Planning for the Unexpected: A DIY Journey","date":"October 19, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"A self-proclaimed jack-of-all-trades, master of none, Joe McFarland has a well-rounded DIY skill set. From sewing canvas and upholstery, welding, woodworking and electrical skills to motorcycle repair, machining and mechanical engineering \u2014 the list goes on and on. Joe is a true thrill seeker and big kid at heart; he\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Automotive\/RV"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Joe-in-buggy.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":1094,"url":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/outdoor-living\/taking-diy-new-heights\/","url_meta":{"origin":879,"position":4},"title":"Taking DIY to New Heights","date":"October 25, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"The possibilities of things you can make with a sewing machine are limitless! Sailrite\u00ae customer Gregory Palmquist had a fleeting idea to sew his own kites after he was underwhelmed by the selection of mass-produced kite kits. This seed of an idea has grown into a bigger hobby that has\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Hobby"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/kites-collage.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":2086,"url":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/automotive-rv\/car-restoration-learning-to-sew\/","url_meta":{"origin":879,"position":5},"title":"Restoring Antique Cars & Learning to Sew","date":"June 25, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"Ted Levitt lives according to two main principles: service and quality. He grew up watching his parents run a very successful diner, and he credits them for his success in business and his drive to succeed in everything he does. What does all this have to do with DIY? Keep\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Automotive\/RV"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/rolls-royce-phantom-3.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/879"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=879"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/879\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2785,"href":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/879\/revisions\/2785"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/884"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=879"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=879"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.sailrite.com\/meet-our-customers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=879"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}